The Gift of Waiting During Advent

As we journey through the season of Advent, we find ourselves in a unique space of waiting—a time that invites us to pause, reflect, and anticipate the joy of Christmas. 

In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to overlook this season's profound lessons, especially the power of hope. The true essence of Advent lies not merely in the countdown to Christmas but in what we cultivate within ourselves while we wait.

In George Herbert's evocative poem “The Sacrifice,” he reflects on the tension of our yearning and the divine promises we anticipate. Herbert writes:

"Come, my Way, my Truth, my Life:
Such a way as gives us breath,
Such a truth as ends all strife,
Such a life as killeth death."

These lines urge us to seek a path illuminated by hope and truth. In the context of Advent, they remind us that waiting is not merely about the absence of Christmas but about embracing the journey of preparation and spiritual renewal. 

The "way" we walk during this season can rejuvenate our spirits, offering breath to our weary souls. The "truth" we seek can dissolve the strife and anxiety that often accompanies the rush of the holidays.

Herbert continues:

"Come, my Light, my Feast, my Strength:
Such a light as shows a feast,
Such a feast as mends in length,
Such a strength as makes his guest."

In these lines, the poet invites us to consider how hope offers nourishment and strength in our lives. 

As we wait during Advent, we can illuminate our hearts with joy and peace, experiencing a feast that goes beyond the physical indulgence of holiday celebrations. 

It is a feast of the spirit that restores and makes whole the broken parts of our lives. The strength we gain through this waiting empowers us to extend hope to others, creating a cycle of renewal that benefits both ourselves and our communities.

As we reflect on the theme of creation’s hope during this time, Gayle Boss eloquently states in her book, All Creation Waits, “In the dead of winter, hope is woven into every quiet corner, into every thaw and frost.” 

This resonates deeply with the Advent season, which often coincides with the coldest and darkest days of the year. Just as nature holds its breath, waiting for the promise of life to return in spring, we too can harness the power of hope amid our challenges. 

This hope encourages us to look beyond our immediate circumstances, recognizing that each day, we draw closer to the light of Christmas.

Advent invites us to embrace this transformative waiting, to dive deeper into its meaning rather than hastening through it. 

In these final days before Christmas, we can fully appreciate the anticipation, wonder, and joy that hope embodies. Let us take intentional steps to slow down, make space for reflection, and connect with the deeper significance of the season.

As we prepare to celebrate Christmas, I challenge you to pause and intentionally engage with the remaining days of Advent. Create moments of stillness to reflect on your hopes for the coming year. Consider what you can do to nurture hope not only within yourself but also in your community. 

Light an Advent candle, meditate on scripture, or share what hope means to you with a friend or family member. By doing so, you will not only enrich your own experience but also inspire those around you to embrace the beauty of waiting.

As we end this Advent season, let us remember that waiting is not merely a precursor to a celebration but a sacred journey filled with hope and possibility. 

As we countdown to Christmas, may we find delight in the waiting, discovering that it is, in fact, a powerful teacher of joy.

And may the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with us all, now and forever. Amen.